Zackary Grant Britton, an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball, was born on December 22, 1987, and was known professionally as Zach Britton until February 2019. He used to be a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
Britton was picked in the third round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles after graduating from Weatherford High School in Texas. Britton began his career as a starter before switching to closer and leading the American League in saves in 2016. He was nominated to the AL All-Star squad in 2015 and 2016.
Britton set an American League record by saving 60 consecutive games from September 20, 2015, to August 23, 2017. During the 2018 season, the Orioles traded Britton to the New York Yankees.
The Baltimore Orioles selected Britton in the third round, with the 85th overall selection, of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft.[9] He accepted a $200,000 signing bonus to sign a professional contract and not attend college.
Before the 2010 season, Britton was considered the Orioles third-best prospect according to Baseball America. In a midseason top 25 prospect list, he has ranked the 10th-best prospect in all of baseball. Prior to 2011, Baseball America had him ranked second among Orioles prospects.
Britton throws three pitches to the batter. His first pitch, a sinker, averages 96 mph (maxing out at 99). At the same time, he throws a four-seam fastball. He also throws an 82-83 mph curveball. He is an exceptional ground ball pitcher due to his use of a quick sinker as his primary pitch.
Did Zack Britton Have Tommy John Surgery?
On September 9, 2021, Britton underwent Tommy John surgery along with the removal of bone chips in his pitching elbow.
